Sports · Running & Athletics · 5 hrs ago
Running influencer Yoo Ji Won dies after collapsing during Seoul half-marathon
Yoo Ji Won died after collapsing during a race in Seoul on October 11.
Yoo was taking part in the half course of the 2026 Seoul Race and collapsed at the 20.6-kilometre mark, about 500 metres from the finish.
Medical staff gave emergency treatment and CPR, then an ambulance took Yoo to a hospital, where Yoo died that day.
Yoo was a KAIST graduate student researching AI semiconductors and an amateur runner who also shared running content online.
Yoo had completed the full Seoul Marathon in March in 2 hours, 56 minutes and 32 seconds.
Yoo’s death has prompted fans to post memorial messages on social media.
The race organizers expressed condolences to Yoo’s family.
Running influencer and KAIST graduate student Yoo Ji Won died after collapsing during the half course of the 2026 Seoul Race.
Yoo collapsed at the 20.6-kilometre mark, about 500 metres from the finish line.
Medical staff gave emergency treatment and CPR before Yoo was taken by ambulance to a hospital.
The Seoul Race Organizing Committee announced the death on October 12.
Yoo had completed the full Seoul Marathon in March in 2 hours, 56 minutes and 32 seconds.
- Who
- Yoo Ji Won, a running influencer, KAIST graduate student and amateur runner.
- What
- Yoo collapsed during the Seoul Race half course and later died at a hospital.
- When
- The collapse occurred at around 8:49 a.m. on October 11, 2026. The committee announced the death on October 12.
- Where
- At the 20.6-kilometre mark of the 2026 Seoul Race half course, in Seoul.
- Why
- The cause of the collapse is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Yoo completed the full 2026 Seoul Marathon in 2 hours, 56 minutes and 32 seconds.
Yoo collapsed at the 20.6-kilometre mark during the Seoul Race half course.
Yoo was taken to a hospital by ambulance and died that day.
The Seoul Race Organizing Committee announced the death.
- Age
- Born in 2001
- Affiliation
- KAIST graduate student researching AI semiconductors
- Race
- 2026 Seoul Race half course
- Collapse point
- 20.6 km, about 500 metres from the finish
- Marathon time
- 2 hours, 56 minutes and 32 seconds on March 15
What people are saying
We bring devastating news to all participants who joined the 2026 Seoul Race. At around 8:49 AM on October 11th, an emergency situation occurred when a participant in the half course collapsed at the 20.6 km mark. After immediate first aid on site, the participant was transported to a medical facility by 119 ambulance for treatment, but unfortunately, passed away.
We respectfully pray for the deceased’s peaceful rest and extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family facing this sudden sorrow.
Sources
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